Chelsa Wagner - for State Representative, 22nd District

Chelsa was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2006 and is currently finishing her first term in office. She serves on the Commerce, Education, Judiciary and Transportation Committees.   She also serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of Allegheny County Democratic Delegation. Chelsa's election to the State House in 2006 marked the first time ever that a woman from the City of Pittsburgh was elected to serve a full term in the State House (she shares this honor with colleague Lisa Bennington).

As a legislator, Chelsa has established herself as an ethical leader who never forgets that her sole purpose in government is public service. Since taking office, Chelsa quickly made a mark on both Harrisburg and local government. By using her professional experience as an attorney and policy analyst, Chelsa has been a constructive advocate for Pennsylvania, Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. Chelsa is known among her peers and constituents as someone who is not afraid to ask the tough questions and make tough decisions. That is precisely why Chelsa sought office. Chelsa not only gave up a more lucrative career in the private sector to pursue her passion of public advocacy, but also moved back to Pittsburgh for the same reason, so she could advocate on behalf of the residents and community that mean the most to her.

Chelsa has been a staunch advocate for improving government and returning it to our citizens. Believing that accountability starts at home, Chelsa refused to accept a taxpayer-funded car and eliminated wasteful spending on unnecessary and costly mailings, and instead primarily uses weekly e-mails to keep her constituents informed. Chelsa has spearheaded initiatives among her colleagues to further government reform, and is now actively working to eliminate pay-to-play politics by implementing campaign contribution limits.

In the current legislative session, Chelsa has authored eleven pieces of legislation, and co-sponsored over two hundred measures. When not in Harrisburg, Chelsa focuses the majority of her efforts on community development, finding creative ways for neighborhoods to collaborate across borders and achieve community-driven goals. For her legislative accomplishments, Chelsa has been honored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, and the American Council of Young Political Leaders.

Prior to being elected, Chelsa worked first as a policy analyst reforming large state and city governments, then later as an attorney in private practice. Chelsa is a graduate of the University of Chicago, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Public Policy and was a member of the Women's Varsity Basketball Team. She received her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was the recipient of the Community Service Award for her advocacy work on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Born and raised in Beechview, Chelsa is a graduate of St. Catherine of Siena Grade School & Seton-LaSalle High School. Chelsa now resides in Mt. Washington. When not working or campaigning, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, playing basketball and running. She completed her first marathon in 2005, and more recently has been involved in the efforts to bring back the Pittsburgh Marathon (which will return in 2009!), for which she is now training.



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